Childhood education suits Savory swell

By Chloe Gregg
Editor in Chief

Danielle Savory has been the full-time instructor in the Childhood Development and Early Education Program at LCC since 2015. Initially, she began as an adjunct instructor in 2011.

“I originally began as a communications major,” Savory said. “After my freshman year, I got a job as a camp counselor at a nearby nature center camp. While I hiked the trails with 4- and 5-year-old children, pointing out poison ivy and teaching them about animal adaptations such as camouflage, I realized I was really happy when I was with young children.”
Savory said she enjoyed listening to children’s ideas and observing their curiosity about the world.

“When I went back to college in the fall, I immediately changed my major to human development. I began taking classes like ‘The Role and Meaning of Play,’ where I learned about how play supports learning in all areas of development. I was hooked!”

Savory graduated with a bachelor’s degree in human development with a concentration in early childhood education from Cornell University in 2005. Directly after, she headed to New York City to attend Bank Street College, where she graduated in 2008 with a master’s degree in early childhood education and special education.

While in New York, Savory began her career in early childhood education. Through the years, she has taught children ages 3 through 6.

In her free time, Savory said she loves to hike and go on bike rides with her family.

“(This career is) a wonderful, supportive field to be in,” Savory said. “We value relationships, play and lifelong learning.”

Heidi Jordan, a colleague and friend of Savory, said Savory is a very dedicated instructor. Jordan is the faculty lab instructor for the Childhood Development and Early Education Program at LCC.

“Danielle is the most dedicated educator I know,” Jordan said. “Her passion for supporting higher education students in ways that meet their individual needs is unmatched. Because of her efforts, quality professionals are strengthening the early childhood education field in the Lansing area. She is making a difference.”

For more information on the Childhood Development and Early Education Program or to learn how to be a part of it, reach out to Tricia McKay at mckay6@star.lcc.edu.